Parents need to take extra care of their children when they are exposed to extreme heat at the beaches during summer.
Children are more prone than adults to suffer heatstroke or heat exhaustion during the hot summer months because their bodies produce more heat during physical activity while their cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, are less developed, cautions Red Cross War Memorial children’s hospital emergency specialist Dr Shirani Naidoo
“Their higher body surface area to weight ratio increases their vulnerability to heatstroke, especially in hot and humid conditions,” she says.
Children also tend to become so absorbed in play that they don’t notice when they’re overheating or need to rest.
“For this reason, parents and caregivers need to remind children to drink water and take breaks in shaded, cool areas,” she says.
The hospital says there are several signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion look out for:
According to the World Health Organization, there are several ways to prevent heat stroke and heat illness among children and infants:
ChildSafe South Africa executive director Zaitoon Rabaney says supervision is key.
"Keeping a close eye on children and staying vigilant for signs of heatstroke are crucial steps in ensuring children's safety.“
Ms Rabaney says early detection and swift action can make all the difference. “By collectively staying informed and prepared, we can safeguard our children from heat-related illnesses and ensure they stay safe and healthy during the hottest months of the year.”
ChildSafe advises taking immediate action if a child shows any signs of heat exhaustion:
Dr Rabaney says if the symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate the onset of heatstroke.
“In such cases, seek immediate medical help by calling emergency services or heading to the closest health facility.”
Contact the children’s hospital at 021 658 5111 or call ChildSafe at 021 685 5208